Former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Declares He Won’t Assume Foreign Minister Role if Nawaz Sharif Returns to Power
In an interview with Independent Urdu, Bilawal Bhutto, the chief of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has stated that he will not become the foreign minister if ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif comes back to power in the upcoming elections. Bhutto expressed his reluctance to engage in the same political dynamics and emphasized the need for a transformative environment that benefits democracy in the country before he would consider working with Sharif’s party.
At 35 years old, Bhutto held the position of foreign minister in 2022 as part of the cabinet formed by the coalition government led by Shehbaz Sharif, Nawaz’s younger brother. However, Bhutto’s recent remarks indicate his intention to distance himself from Nawaz Sharif’s potential return to power.
Bhutto also made it clear that the PPP does not intend to form a political alliance with any party and will compete in the elections according to their manifesto. He expressed dissatisfaction with the major political parties in Pakistan, asserting that they are unfit to govern and likening the choice between them to picking between the devil and the deep blue sea. Bhutto expressed hope that the PPP will be able to form the government independently.
Furthermore, Bhutto criticized Nawaz Sharif for an apparent lack of campaigning and cautioned against any preconceived notions of the election results, deeming it an insult to the people of Pakistan.
In a separate election pitch, Bhutto vowed to bring about change in the city of Karachi if the PPP secures 20 seats from the city. Karachi’s political significance as a major hub means that parties with substantial representation from the city often play a crucial role in shaping the country’s governance.
The upcoming elections in Pakistan are set to be highly significant, and the statements from Bilawal Bhutto not only highlight his personal stance but also provide insights into the dynamics between major political parties. As the election fervor intensifies, the political landscape of Pakistan remains uncertain.